U.S. patent number 8,562,513 [Application Number 12/123,742] was granted by the patent office on 2013-10-22 for endoscope device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Olympus Medical Systems Corp.. The grantee listed for this patent is Ken Yamatani. Invention is credited to Ken Yamatani.
United States Patent |
8,562,513 |
Yamatani |
October 22, 2013 |
Endoscope device
Abstract
An endoscope device comprising: an elongated tubular insertion
part; a plurality of arm members which is provided in the distal
portion of the insertion part so as to protrude forward and is
capable of treatment with a treatment tool inserted thereinto; an
observation main body provided in the distal portion of the
insertion part so as to freely separate from the insertion part; an
energization member which energizes the observation main body
disposed within the distal portion of the insertion part toward the
direction opposite to the plurality of the arm members in the
radial direction of the insertion part; and a holding mechanism
which resists the energization member to hold the observation main
body in a state where the observation main body is disposed within
the distal portion of the insertion part and is capable of
releasing the holding state.
Inventors: |
Yamatani; Ken (Tokyo,
JP) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Yamatani; Ken |
Tokyo |
N/A |
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
(Tokyo, JP)
|
Family
ID: |
40886804 |
Appl.
No.: |
12/123,742 |
Filed: |
May 20, 2008 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20090292164 A1 |
Nov 26, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/106; 600/107;
600/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B
1/00087 (20130101); A61B 1/018 (20130101); A61B
17/00234 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
1/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;600/106-107,173-174 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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H06-066615 |
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Sep 1994 |
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JP |
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S63-294508 |
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Dec 1998 |
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JP |
|
H11-276419 |
|
Oct 1999 |
|
JP |
|
2000-210249 |
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Aug 2000 |
|
JP |
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2005-312903 |
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Nov 2005 |
|
JP |
|
99/42028 |
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Aug 1999 |
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WO |
|
Other References
Notice of Reasons for Rejection dated Jan. 29, 2013 from
corresponding Japanese Patent Application No. 2009-121854 together
with an English language translation. cited by applicant.
|
Primary Examiner: Kasztejna; Matthew J
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Scully, Scott, Murphy &
Presser, P.C.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An endoscope device comprising: an elongated tubular insertion
part; a plurality of arm members provided in a distal portion of
the insertion part so as to protrude forward, the plurality of arm
members being capable of treatment with a treatment tool inserted
thereinto; an observation cable comprising an energization member
that is inserted into the insertion part and having a bending
tendency, and an observation main body provided in the distal
portion of the energization member, wherein the bending tendency of
the energization member is capable of restoring to a bent shape in
which the energization member bends so as to dispose the
observation main body toward the direction opposite to the
plurality of the arm members in the radial direction of the
insertion part; and a holding-down member provided on an outer
surface of the insertion part so as to freely move along a
circumferential direction of the outer surface of the insertion
part with respect to the insertion part, the holding-down member
being configured to hold down the energization member in a radially
inward direction of the insertion part so as to deform the bent
shape of the energization member into a linear shape that is along
a longitudinal axis of the insertion part; wherein by moving the
holding-down member to a position other than the position where the
holding-down member holds down the energization member in the
radially inward direction of the insertion part, the energization
member is capable of being restored to the bent shape in which the
observation main body is disposed in a position separated from the
insertion part in a radially outward direction while the plurality
of arm members is kept within a observable range of view of the
observation main body.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an endoscope device which is
inserted into the body cavity and is used together with a device
such as a flexible endoscope.
2. Description of Related Art
Conventionally, endoscope devices are used for observing and
treating an affected area or the like within the body cavity of the
subject. Endoscope devices are known in which an elongated and
flexible insertion part which is inserted into the body cavity from
the distal side, and an operating part for operating the insertion
part are provided so as to connect to each other.
The distal portion of the insertion part is provided with an
observation main body for observing the periphery, and a distal end
construction part on the distal end surface of which two arm
members into which treatment tools for performing treatment are
inserted are provided. A bendable tuber bending part is connected
to the proximal side of the distal end construction part, and a
flexible tuber part which is connected with an operating part is
connected to the proximal side of the bending part. A distal
portion of an operating wire inserted into the bending part and the
flexible tuber part is fixed to the proximal side of the distal end
construction part, and the proximal portion of the operating wire
is attached to an angle knob which is provided in the operating
part and pulls the operating wire.
Instrument channels are formed so as to extend from the distal
portions of the two arm members to a forceps plug provided in the
operating part via the insertion part. By inserting the treatment
tools into the instrument channels, treatment can be performed with
the distal portions of the treatment tools protruded from the
distal ends of the arm members.
In the endoscope device constituted as above, the insertion part is
inserted into the body cavity of the subject while observing the
periphery by using the observation main body and bending the
bending part by using the angle knob so that the distal portions of
the treatment tools do not protrude from the distal ends of the two
arm members. Then, the insertion part is fixed so that the two arm
members are opposed to the affected area and the distal end
portions of the treatment tools are protruded from the distal ends
of the arm members to perform treatment.
However, with the above-described conventionally endoscope devices,
since the distance between the observation main body and the
proximal ends of the two arm members is short, the proximal
portions of the two arm members extensively appear on the field of
view via the observation main body. As a result, it is difficult to
observe the state of treatment performed by the treatment tools by
using the observation main body. When making the distance between
the observation main body and the proximal ends of the two arm
members large, since the diameter of the insertion part also
becomes large, the insertion ability reduces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention was devised in view of the above
circumstances, and has as an object the provision of an endoscope
device in which depression of the insertion ability of the
insertion part is prevented and visibility of the distal portions
of the arm members when performing treatment is enhanced.
The present invention relates to an endoscope device comprising: an
elongated tubular insertion part; a plurality of arm members which
is provided in the distal portion of the insertion part so as to
protrude forward and is capable of treatment with a treatment tool
inserted thereinto; an observation main body provided in the distal
portion of the insertion part so as to freely separate from the
insertion part; an energization member which energizes the
observation main body disposed within the distal portion of the
insertion part toward the direction opposite to the plurality of
the arm members in the radial direction of the insertion part; and
a holding mechanism which resists the energization member to hold
the observation main body in a state where the observation main
body is disposed within the distal portion of the insertion part
and is capable of releasing the holding state.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an overall view showing an endoscope device according to
a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an overall view showing a medical treatment endoscope in
which the endoscope device according to the first embodiment of the
present invention is attached.
FIG. 3 illustrates a view seen from the arrow A in FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 shows an insertion part of the endoscope device according to
the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 shows a treatment method with the endoscope device according
to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a modification example of the first embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 7 shows a treatment method with the endoscope device according
to the modification example of the first embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 8 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 shows a treatment method with the endoscope device according
to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a modification example of the second embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 11 shows a treatment method with the endoscope device
according to the modification example of the second embodiment of
the present invention.
FIG. 12 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 13 a sectional view showing the principal portions of the
insertion part of the endoscope device according to the third
embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 shows a treatment method with the endoscope device
according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a modification example of the third embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 16 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 17 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 18 is a plan view of the insertion part of the endoscope
device according to the fifth embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 19 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a first modification example of the sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 21 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a second modification example of the sixth embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 22 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a third modification example of the sixth embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 23 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a fourth modification example of the sixth embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 24 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a seventh embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is an image of treatment parts before magnification
displayed on a monitor according to the seventh embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 26 is an image of the treatment parts after magnification
displayed on the monitor according to the seventh embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 27 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
an eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 28 shows a treatment method with the endoscope device
according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a modification example of the eighth embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG. 30 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
another modification example of the eighth embodiment of the
present invention.
FIG. 31 shows an insertion part of an endoscope device according to
a ninth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 shows a treatment method with the endoscope device
according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments according to the present invention will now be
described in detail below. The basal structures of endoscope
devices according to the present invention have been described in
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/331,963, U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/435,183, and U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 11/652,880, and the described contents of which are
incorporated in the following description.
First Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1, an endoscope device 1 has an operating part 2
and a tubular insertion part 3 which extends from one end of the
operating part 2 in a unitary manner. The insertion part 3 is
elongated and has flexibility. The insertion part 3 has the same
construction as an insertion part described in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/435,183 or U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/652,880. That is, the insertion part 3 has a sheath 4, a distal
end construction part 7 which is disposed in the distal portion of
the sheath 4, and bendable first and second arm members 5A and 5B
which are provided on a distal end surface 7h of the distal end
construction part 7 so as to protrude forward. Instrument channels
6 are formed inside the arm members 5A and 5B respectively, and
extend to connect with a later-described connection sheath 20 via
the insertion part 3 and operating part 2. Treatment tools 8A and
8B are inserted into the instrument channels 6 respectively, and
treatment parts 9A and 9B of the treatment tools 8A and 8B protrude
from the distal portions of the arm members 5A and 5B respectively.
According to these treatment tools 8A and 8B, the first and second
arm members 5A and 5B can perform treatment within the body
cavity.
A first bending part 11 and a second bending part 12 are formed in
each arm member 5A and 5B in order from the distal side. Bending
operation within the body cavity can be performed by moving the
first and second bending parts 11 and 12 together with a third
bending part 13 formed in the insertion part 3.
An observation main body 14 for observing inside the body is
disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the distal portion
of the distal end construction part 7 so as to be capable of
separating from the insertion part 3. The observation main body 14
is held by a holding mechanism 15.
The first and second arm members 5A and 5B may be inserted into
another sheath protruding from the distal end of the sheath 4, as
described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/652,880.
A forceps plug 16 is provided in the operating part 2 at the side
surface of the one end portion connecting to the insertion part 3.
The forceps plug 16 communicates with the instrument channels 6
formed within the sheath 4. By inserting a second treatment tool
(not shown) from the forceps plug 16, the second treatment tool can
be protruded from the distal end of first or second arm member 5A
or 5B. The operating part 2 is further provided with a switch 17,
an angle knob 18, and a universal cable 19 which is connected to a
control device or a monitor (not shown). The switch 17 is operated,
for example, when feeding air or water, or aspirating through the
instrument channel 6 formed within the insertion part 3. The angle
knob 18 is used when bending the third bending part 13 in all
directions with respect to the axis. An image observed by the
observation main body 14 is transmitted to the monitor via the
universal cable 19.
As shown in FIG. 2, the elongated and flexible connecting sheath 20
is provided so as to extend from the other end portion of the
operating part 2. An operator 25 is provided at the end portion of
the connection sheath 20.
The operator 25 has a base 26 which fixes the connection sheath 20.
A first operating unit 30A and a second operating unit 30B are
attached with respect to the base 26. The first operating unit 30A
has an operating stick 31A into which an operating part 10A of the
treatment tool 8A inserted into the first arm member 5A is
inserted. The operating part 10A is supported via the operating
stick 31A so as to freely advance and retract in the axial
direction and to freely lean in all directions about the axis. The
second operating unit 30B has an operating stick 31B into which an
operating part 10B of the treatment tool 8B inserted into the first
arm member 5B is inserted. The operating part 10B is supported via
the operating stick 31B so as to freely advance and retract in the
axial direction and to freely lean in all directions about the
axis.
By the known constitution shown in FIG. 3, when the operator
rotates the operating stick 31A to the direction D1, the first
rotation mechanism 32A rotates to the direction E1. As a result,
the first bending part 11 of the first arm member 5A is bent to the
direction F1 as shown in FIG. 1 by an operating wire (not shown)
wound on the first rotation mechanism 32A. When the operator
rotates the operating stick 31A to the direction D2, the second
rotation mechanism 33A rotates to the direction E2. As a result,
the first bending part 11 of the first arm member 5A is bent to the
direction F2 orthogonal to the direction F1 (i.e., the direction
orthogonal to the sheet) by an operating wire (not shown) wound on
the second rotation mechanism 33A.
Although the detailed explanation is omitted, the first bending
part 11 of the second arm member 5B is similarly bent when an
operating stick 31B shown in FIG. 2 is rotated.
When an operating lever (not shown) is pushed, the second bending
parts 12 of the first and second arm members 5A and 5B are straight
and the arm members 5A and 5B protrude forward in the linear shape
from the distal end surface 7h of the distal end construction part
7. By pulling and then fixing the operating lever, as shown in FIG.
1, the second bending parts 12 are maintained in the curbed shape
in a state where the first and second arm members 5A and 5B are
separated from each other.
In the present embodiment, a gripping forceps is employed as the
treatment tool 8A and an injection instrument is employed as the
treatment tool 8B. As shown in FIG. 3, the opening/closing
operation of the distal portion of this gripping forceps is
performed by moving a slider 35A with respect to a ring 34A in the
axial direction to pull and push an operating wire (not shown)
connected to the treatment part 9A. On the other hand, when
injecting by the injection instrument of the treatment part 9B into
the tissue, as shown in FIG. 2, a slider 35 provided in the second
operating unit 30 B is operated. Though in this embodiment, a
gripping forceps and an injection instrument are employed as the
treatment tools 8A and 8B, this invention is not limited thereto
and, for example, other treatment tools such as a high-frequency
treatment tool, scissors, or a high-frequency snare may be
employed.
As shown in FIG. 4, a first groove 7a is formed along the axis C1
of the insertion part 3 on the outer circumferential surface of the
distal end construction part 7, and the observation main body 14 is
disposed within the first groove 7a. The observation main body 14
houses a light receiving element such as a lens and a CCD, and
connects to an observation cable 43 which transmits an image
obtained by the observation main body 14 to the monitor. The
observation cable 43 has a bending tendency and plays a role as an
energizing member which energizes the observation main body 14
disposed in the first groove 7a toward the moving direction G1
opposite to the first and second arm members 5A and 5B in the
radial direction of the insertion part 3. The observation cable 43
is guided by a guide hole (not shown) communicating from the distal
end construction part 7 of the insertion part 3 to the operating
part 2.
Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the opposite side of the first and second
arm members 5A and 5B in the radial direction of the insertion part
3 means a symmetrical side with the midpoint P between the
positions where the first and second arm members 5A and 5B are
provided on the distal end surface 7h of the distal end
construction part 7, with respect to the axis C1.
A second groove 7b is formed along the circumferential direction on
the outer circumferential surface of the distal end construction
part 7, and a curved plate-shaped open/close member 41 is supported
by the second groove 7b so as to freely move along the
circumferential direction of the distal end construction part 7. As
shown in FIG. 4, the open/close member 41 is set such that, when
moving to one side of the second groove 7b, the open/close member
41 resists the energizing force by the observation cable 43 to hold
the observation main body 14 in a state where the observation main
body 14 is disposed within the first groove 7a, and, when moving
from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the other side of the second
groove 7b, the holding state of the observation main body 14 is
released. Both end portions of the open/close member 41 are
connected to an open/close member driving wire 44. The open/close
member driving wire 44 is guided by the guide hole (not shown)
communicating from the distal end construction part 7 of the
insertion part 3 to the operating part 2, and is operated by a
field main body operating lever (not shown) provided in the
operating part 2.
The open/close member 41 and the open/close member driving wire 44
constitute the above-described holding mechanism 15.
Method for treating an affected area with the endoscope device 1
constituted as above is described as follows.
First, the operating lever is pushed such that the first and second
arm members 5A and 5B are parallel to each other. Then, the
treatment tools 8A and 8B are pulled with respect to the operating
parts 10A and 10B to make the treatment parts 9A and 9B be in a
state where the treatment parts 9A and 9B do not protrude from the
distal ends of the arm members 5A and 5B.
Next, the periphery is observed by the observation main body 14,
and the insertion part 3 is inserted into the body cavity of the
subject while bending the first bending portions 11 of the arm
members 5A and 5B by using the first and second operating units 30A
and 30B respectively and bending the third bending part 13 by using
the angle knob 18.
Next, the insertion part 3 is fixed in a state where the distal
portions of the two arm members 5A and 5B are opposed to the
affected area. Then, the treatment tools 8A and 8B are pushed with
respect to the operating parts 10A and 10B such that the treatment
parts 9A and 9B of the treatment tools 8A and 8B are protruded from
the distal ends of the arm members 5A and 5B as shown in FIG. 4. By
pulling and then fixing the operating lever, the second bending
parts 12 are fixed in a bending state where the first and second
arm members 5A and 5B are separated from each other.
Next, as shown in FIG. 5, by operating the open/close member
driving wire 44 by using the field main body operating lever, the
open/close member 41 is moved to the other side of the second
groove 7b to release the holding state of the observation main body
14. As a result, since the observation cable 43 energizes the
observation main body 14 disposed in the first groove 7a toward the
moving direction G1, the observation main body 14 is moved to a
position separating from the distal end construction part 7 while
maintaining the posture of the observation main body 14.
In this state, while observing the affected area with the
observation main body 14, the affected area is grasped by the
treatment part 9A by rotating the operating stick 31A to bend the
first bending part 11 of the first arm member 5A and by moving the
slider 35A. Then, the needle-shaped treatment part 9B is pricked
into the affected area while bending the first bending part 11 of
the second arm member 5B by rotating the operating stick 31B, and
the drug solution or the like (not shown) is injected into the
affected area by moving the slider 35B.
When the treatment of the affected area has been finished, in the
same manner as when inserting the insertion part 3 into the body
cavity, the operating lever is pushed such that the first and
second arm members 5A and 5B are parallel to each other. Then, the
treatment tools 8A and 8B are pulled with respect to the operating
parts 10A and 10B to make the treatment parts 9A and 9B in a state
where the treatment parts 9A and 9B do not protrude from the distal
ends of the arm members 5A and 5B. Then, the observation main body
14 is housed within the sheath 4 by pulling the observation cable
43 toward the proximal end. After making the insertion part 3 in
this state, the insertion part 3 is pulled toward the proximal end
so as to be pulled out from the body cavity.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 1 of the
present embodiment, the first and second arm members 5A and 5B are
provided on the distal end surface 7h of the distal end
construction part 7, and the observation main body 14 is disposed
within the first groove 7a. Therefore, since the outer diameter of
the insertion part 3 including the arm members 5A and 5B can be
reduced, the depression of the insertion ability of the insertion
part 3 when inserting the insertion part 3 into the body cavity of
the subject can be prevented.
Furthermore, since the observation main body 14 is moved to a
position separating from the distal end construction part 7 while
maintaining the posture of the observation main body 14, the
treatment parts 9A and 9B can be observed from the skew direction,
not from the proximal side of the first and second arm members 5A
and 5B. As a result, since it can be prevented that the field of
view via the observation main body 14 is interrupted by the
proximal portions of the first and second arm members 5A and 5B
when performing treatment, visibility of the treatment parts 9A and
9B can be improved.
Furthermore, since the distance from the treatment parts 9A and 9B
to the observation main body 14 can be elongated, the range of view
of the treatment parts 9A and 9B via the observation main body 14
can be enlarged. As a result, the treatment of the affected area
can be securely performed in brief time.
Next, a modification example of the first embodiment of the present
invention will be described. Elements the same as those of the
first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and the
descriptions thereof are omitted, and only different points are
described.
As shown in FIG. 6, an endoscope device 55 of the present
modification example is provided with a moving mechanism 50 which
moves the observation main body 14. The moving mechanism 50 has a
pair of link members 53 which are symmetrically disposed so as to
sandwich the observation main body 14 therebetween with one end
portion of the link member 53 rotatively supported to the
observation main body 14 by a first pin 51, and the other end
portion of the link member 53 rotatively supported to the insertion
part 3 by a second pin 52.
The second pin 52 is disposed such that the axis of the second pin
52 is positioned closer to the axis C1 than the axis of the first
pin 51. An observation cable 54 of the present modification example
does not have a bending tendency.
Next, a method for treating an affected area with the endoscope
device 55 constituted as above is described as follows.
The treatment method of the present modification example is
basically the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the
present modification example, as shown in FIG. 7, the observation
cable 54 inserted into a guide hole (not shown) is moved toward the
proximal end by pulling the observation cable 54 toward the
proximal end at the operating part 2 after the second bending parts
12 of the first and second arm members 5A and 5B are fixed in a
bending state. The observation main body 14 is moved to a position
separating from the distal end construction part 7 by rotating the
pair of the link members 53 around the second pin 52.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 55 of the
present modification example, the same effects as those of the
first embodiment can be obtained.
Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be
described. Elements the same as those of the first embodiment and
the modification example thereof are denoted by the same reference
numerals and the descriptions thereof are omitted, and only
different points are described.
As shown in FIG. 8, an endoscope device 64 of the present
embodiment is provided with an extension/contraction mechanism 60
which moves the observation main body 14 toward the moving
direction G1 opposite to the first and second arm members 5A and 5B
in the radial direction. The extension/contraction mechanism 60 has
a telescopic portion 62 formed by nesting a plurality of
cylindrical members 61 having diameters different from each other
such that the entirety of the telescopic portion 62 freely extends
and contracts in the moving direction G1, and an operating wire 63
which protrudes and retracts the telescopic portion 62 in the
moving direction G1 by pushing and pulling the proximal portion of
the operating wire 63. In the present embodiment, it is preferable
that the distal end surface 7h of the distal end construction part
7 and a distal end surface 14a of the observation main body 14 be
coplanar.
Next, a method for treating an affected area with the endoscope
device 64 constituted as above is described as follows.
The treatment method of the present embodiment is basically the
same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the present
embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the observation main body 14 is
moved toward the moving direction G1 so as to separate from the
distal end construction part 7 by pushing the proximal portion of
the operating wire 63 after the second bending parts 12 of the
first and second arm members 5A and 5B are fixed in a bending state
respectively.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 64 of the
present embodiment, since the observation main body 14 is moved
toward the moving direction G1 so as to separate from the distal
end construction part 7, the treatment parts 9A and 9B can be
observed from the slew direction, not from the proximal side of the
first and second arm members 5A and 5B. As a result, since it can
be prevented that the field of view via the observation main body
14 is interrupted by the proximal portions of the first and second
arm members 5A and 5B when performing treatment, visibility of the
treatment parts 9A and 9B can be improved.
Next, a modification example of the second embodiment of the
present invention will be described. Elements the same as those of
the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals
and the descriptions thereof are omitted, and only different points
are described.
As shown in FIG. 10, an endoscope device 73 of the present
embodiment is provided with an extension/contraction mechanism 70
which moves the observation main body 14 toward the moving
direction G1 opposite to the first and second arm members 5A and 5B
in the radial direction. The extension/contraction mechanism 70 has
an accordion member 71 formed so as to freely extend and contract
in the moving direction G1, and an air pipe 72 connected to an air
feeding/exhausting device (not shown) for feeding air to the
accordion member 71 and exhausting air from the accordion member
71. The observation cable 54 is connected to the monitor via the
accordion member 71, the insertion part 3, and the universal cable
19.
Next, a method for treating an affected area with the endoscope
device 73 constituted as above is described as follows.
The treatment method of the present modification example is
basically the same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the
present modification example, as shown in FIG. 11, after the second
bending parts 12 of the first and second arm members 5A and 5B are
fixed in a bending state respectively, the observation main body 14
is moved to a position separating from the axis C1 while
maintaining the posture of the observation main body 14 by feeding
air to the accordion member 71 via the air pipe 72 by using the air
feeding/exhausting device.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 73 of the
present modification example, the same effects as those of the
second embodiment can be obtained.
Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be
described. Elements the same as those of the first and second
embodiments and the modification examples thereof are denoted by
the same reference numerals and the descriptions thereof are
omitted, and only different points are described.
As shown in FIG. 12, an endoscope device 86 of the present
embodiment is provided with an observation main body 14 which
observes the direction to which the observation main body faces, an
observation main body rotation mechanism 80 which rotatively
supports the observation main body 14 such that the observation
main body 14 faces the moving direction G1 opposite to the first
and second arm members 5A and 5B in the radial direction and faces
the front of the insertion part 3, and a reflection member 81
disposed in the distal portion of the insertion part 3 so as to
freely protrude and retract.
The observation main body 14 is supported in the distal end
construction part 7 by a pin 82 so as to freely rotate around the
direction crossing the axis C1. As shown in FIG. 13, a first wire
83 is fixed to the proximal surface of the observation main body 14
and a second wire 84 is fixed to the side surface of the
observation main body 14. The first and second wires 83 and 84 are
inserted into the insertion part 3 through a wire guide hole 7c
formed in the distal end construction part 7, and are fixed to an
operating lever (not shown) provided in the operating part 2. By
rotating the operating lever, either of the first or second wire 83
or 84 is pulled.
Two tube-shaped support members 85 are provided such that one end
each thereof is fixed to the reflection member 81 and the other
ends thereof are moved within reflection member guide holes 7d
formed in the distal end construction part 7. By means of a pinion
gear (not shown) fixed to the observation main body 14 so as to be
coaxial with the pin 82 and a rack gear (not shown) formed in the
support member 85, the observation main body 14 and the reflection
member 81 move together as follows. That is, the reflection member
81 protrudes so as to reflect an image of the treatment tools 8A
and 8B onto the observation main body 14 when the observation main
body 14 faces the moving direction G1 opposite to the first and
second arm members 5A and 5B in the radial direction, and the
reflection member 81 is moved toward the distal portion of the
insertion part 3 when the observation main 14 faces the front of
the insertion part 3.
The pin 82, the first wire 83, the second wire 84, and the
operating lever constitute the above-described observation main
body rotation mechanism 80.
It is preferable that the image which is reflected by the
reflection member 81 and then is observed by using the observation
main body 14 be vertically inverted to be displayed on the
monitor.
Next, a method for treating an affected area with the endoscope
device 86 constituted as above is described as follows.
The treatment method of the present embodiment is basically the
same as that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the
insertion part 3 is inserted into the body cavity in a state where
the observation main 14 faces the front and is moved toward the
distal portion of the insertion part 3 so as to be housed within
the insertion part 3. Then, when making the distal ends of the two
arm members 5A and 5B opposed to the affected area, as shown in
FIG. 14, the observation main body 14 is turned to face the moving
direction G1 by rotating the operating lever to pull the second
wire 84 after the second bending parts 12 of the first and second
arm members 5A and 5B are fixed in a bending state. At the same
time, the reflection member 81 is protruded so as to reflect the
image of the treatment tools 8A and 8B onto the observation main
body 14.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 86 of the
present embodiment, the observation main body 14 can obtain the
image of the treatment parts 9A and 9B reflected by the reflection
member 81, which is an image seen from the direction more skewed
with respect to the axis C1 than a direct image from the treatment
parts 9A and 9B to the observation main body 14. Therefore, since
the image obtained by the observation main body 14 being
interrupted by the proximal portions of the first and second arm
members 5A and 5B can be prevented, visibility of the treatment
parts 9A and 9B can be improved.
As shown in a modification example of the present embodiment in
FIG. 15, the observation main body 14 may be fixed to the first
groove 7a of the distal end construction part 7, and the two
support members 85 may be provided such that one end each thereof
is fixed to the reflection member 81, the other ends thereof are
rotatively fixed to the distal end construction part 7, and
substantially center portions thereof are fixed to distal ends of a
pair of operating wires 87. According to this constitution, by
pushing and pulling the operating wires 87 from the proximal side
to adjust the angle of the reflection member 81, the observation
main body 14 can observe not only the direct image from the
treatment parts 9A and 9B to the observation main body 14 but also
the image which is once reflected by the reflection member 81 and
then proceeds to the observation main body 14. Therefore, the
treatment parts 9A and 9B can be observed from two angles at once
by using the observation main body 14.
Fourth Embodiment
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be
described. Elements the same as those of the first through third
embodiments and the modification examples thereof are denoted by
the same reference numerals and the descriptions thereof are
omitted, and only different points are described.
As shown in FIG. 16, an endoscope 94 of the present embodiment is
provided with an observation main body rotation mechanism 90 which
rotates the observation main body 14 around the rotational axis C2
crossing the axis C1 of the insertion part 3 so as to make the
distal portions of the first and second arm members 5A and 5B
(i.e., the treatment parts 9A and 9B) positioned in the center of
view via the observation main body 14.
The observation main body 14 is supported by a pin 91 within a hole
7e formed in the distal end construction part 7 along the axis C1
so as to freely rotate about the rotational axis C2. One end of the
proximal surface of the observation main body 14 is fixed to a
first wire 92 and the other end of the proximal end surface of the
observation main body 14 is fixed to a second wire 93 so as to
sandwich the rotational axis C2. The first and second wires 92 and
93 are inserted into the insertion part 3 and are fixed to an
operating wire (not shown) provided in the operating part 2. By
rotating the operating lever, either of the first or second wire 92
or 93 is pulled.
Next, a method for treating an affected area with the endoscope
device 94 constituted as above is described as follows.
The treatment method of the present embodiment is basically the
same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the present
embodiment, after the second bending parts 12 of the first and
second arm members 5A and 5B are fixed in a bending state, the
treatment is performed while rotating the observation main body 14
about the rotational axis C2 by rotating the operating lever to
adjust the view via the observation main body 14.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 94 of the
present embodiment, it is possible to make the treatment parts 9A
and 9B positioned in the center of view via the observation main
body 14 by rotating the observation main body 14 about the
rotational axis C2 crossing the axis C1. As a result, it is
possible to adjust the view via the observation main body 14 such
that the operator easily observes.
Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be
described. Elements the same as those of the first through fourth
embodiments and the modification examples thereof are denoted by
the same reference numerals and the descriptions thereof are
omitted, and only different points are described.
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, an endoscope device 103 of the present
embodiment is provided with an observation main body moving
mechanism 100 which moves the observation main body 14 in the
moving direction G2 parallel to an arm plane S on which the arm
members 5A and 5B are attached, so as to position the distal
portions of the first and second arm members 5A and 5B (i.e., the
treatment parts 9A and 9B) in the center of view via the
observation main body 14.
As shown in FIG. 17, the arm plane S on which the arm members 5A
and 5B are attached is a plane which includes positions where the
arm members 5A and 5B are provided on the distal end surface 7h of
the distal end construction part 7 and which is parallel to the
axis C1.
A first long hole 7f is formed on the distal end surface 7h of the
distal end construction part 7 along the moving direction 62 in
which the observation main body 14 moves, and a second long hole 7g
is formed on the side surface of the distal end construction part 7
so as to be parallel to the moving direction G2. The first and
second long holes 7f and 7g communicate with each other inside the
distal end construction part 7.
The observation main body 14 is provided in the first long hole 7h
with a protrude portion 14b formed in the observation main body 14
engaged with the second long hole 7g such that the observation main
body 14 is able to move only in the moving direction G2. A distal
end of a first wire 101 is fixed to the surface of one side of the
protrude portion 14b in the moving direction G2, and a distal end
of a second wire 102 is fixed to the surface of the other side of
the protrude portion 14b. The first and second wires 101 and 102
are inserted into the insertion part 3 and are fixed to an
operating wire (not shown) provided in the operating part 2. By
rotating the operating lever, either of the first or second wire
101 or 102 is pulled.
Next, a method for treating an affected area with the endoscope
device 103 constituted as above is described as follows.
The treatment method of the present embodiment is basically the
same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the present
embodiment, after the second bending parts 12 of the first and
second arm members 5A and 5B are fixed in a bending state, the
treatment is performed while moving the observation main body 14 in
the moving direction G2 by rotating the operating lever to adjust
the view via the observation main body 14.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 103 of the
present embodiment, it is possible to make the treatment parts 9A
and 9B positioned in the center of view via the observation main
body 14 by moving the observation main body 14 in the moving
direction G2. As a result, it is possible to adjust the view via
the observation main body 14 such that the operator easily
observes.
Sixth Embodiment
Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be
described. Elements the same as those of the first through fifth
embodiments and the modification examples thereof are denoted by
the same reference numerals and the descriptions thereof are
omitted, and only different points are described.
As shown in FIG. 19, an endoscope device 113 of the present
embodiment is provided with a reflection member 110 in the first
arm member 5A which reflects the image of a desired site K such as
an affected area toward the observation main body 14.
One surface of the reflection member 110 is provided with a mirror
111 which reflects a light. Though the reflection member 110 is
provided in the treatment part 9A of the treatment tool 8A in the
present embodiment, the reflection member 110 may be provided in
the distal portion of the first arm member 5A. Furthermore, in the
present embodiment, a gripping forceps is employed as a treatment
tool 112.
Next, a method for treating an affected area with the endoscope
device 113 constituted as above is described as follows.
The treatment method of the present embodiment is basically the
same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the present
embodiment, after the second bending parts 12 of the first and
second arm members 5A and 5B are fixed in a bending state, the
reflection member 110 is moved to a position to be observed in the
vicinity of the desired site K while bending the first bending part
11 of the first arm member 5A by rotating the operating stick 31A.
Then, the desired site K is removed by the treatment tool 112 by
moving the slider 35B while bending the first bending part 11 of
the second arm member 5B by rotating the operating stick 31B.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 113 of the
present embodiment, the desired site K and the vicinity thereof can
be observed by changing the direction of the reflection member 110
or moving the reflection member 110 in order to easily observe the
desired site K. Furthermore, the condition and the treatment state
of the desired site K can be observed more precisely from two
directions.
Though the reflection member 110 is provided only in the first arm
member 5A in the present invention, the reflection member 110 may
be provided only in the second arm member 5B and the reflection
members 110 may be provided in both of the first and second arm
members 5A and 5B.
Next, a first modification example of the sixth embodiment of the
present invention will be described. Elements the same as those of
the first through sixth embodiments and the modification examples
thereof are denoted by the same reference numerals and the
descriptions thereof are omitted, and only different points are
described.
As shown in FIG. 20, an endoscope device 121 of the present
modification example is provided with a sub-observation main body
120 in the distal end surface 7h of the distal end construction
part 7 at a position opposite to the observation main body 14 with
respect to the first and second arm members 5A and 5B. Similar to
the observation main body 14, the sub-observation main body 120
houses a light receiving element such as a lens and a CCD and
connects to a sub-observation cable (not shown) which transmits an
image obtained by the sub-observation main body 120 to the
monitor.
The monitor is constructed such that the displayed image can be
switched between an image obtained by the observation main body and
an image obtained by the sub-observation main body 120 while
observing the position of the treatment parts 9A and 9B or the
first and second arm members 5A and 5B.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 121 of the
present modification example, since the treatment tools 9A and 9B
can be observed from the two directions by using the observation
main body 14 and the sub-observation main body 120, visibility of
the treatment parts 9A and 9B can be improved.
Next, a second modification example of the sixth embodiment of the
present invention will be described. Elements the same as those of
the first through sixth embodiments and the modification examples
thereof are denoted by the same reference numerals and the
descriptions thereof are omitted, and only different points are
described.
As shown in FIG. 21, in the present modification example,
sub-endoscopes 130 and 131 are inserted into the instrument
channels 6 of the first and second arm members 5A and 5B
respectively. Images obtained from the sub-endoscopes 130 and 131
are transmitted to the monitor via sub-endoscope cables (not
shown). The monitor is constructed so as to switch between the
states such as where only an image obtained by the observation main
body 14 is displayed or where images obtained not only by the
observation main body but also by the sub-endoscopes 130 and 131
are displayed all together.
In the present modification example, the sub-endoscopes 130 and 131
can be exchanged for treatment tools such as a gripping forceps and
an injection instrument if necessary.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 132 of the
present modification example, since the treatment tools 9A and 9B
can be observed from the three directions by using the observation
main body 14, the sub-endoscope 130, and the sub-endoscope 131,
visibility of the treatment parts 9A and 9B and the arm members 5A
and 5B can be improved.
Next, a third modification example of the sixth embodiment of the
present invention will be described. Elements the same as those of
the first through sixth embodiments and the modification examples
thereof are denoted by the same reference numerals and the
descriptions thereof are omitted, and only different points are
described.
As shown in FIG. 22, in the present modification example, a
sub-channel 6B is formed in the insertion part 3, and a
sub-endoscope 140 the distal portion of which is bendable is
inserted into the sub-channel 6B so as to freely advance and
retract in the direction of the axis C1. An image obtained by the
sub-endoscope 140 is transmitted to the monitor via a sub-endoscope
cable (not shown). The monitor is constructed so as to switch
between the states such as where only an image obtained by the
observation main body 14 is displayed or where images obtained not
only by the observation main body but also by the sub-endoscope 140
are displayed all together.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 141 of the
present modification example, since the treatment tools 9A and 9B
can be observed by using the observation main body 14 and the
sub-endoscope 140, visibility of the treatment parts 9A and 9B can
be improved. Furthermore, since the sub-endoscope 140 is formed
such that the distal portion thereof is bendable and freely
advances and retracts in the direction of the axis C1, visibility
of the treatment parts 9A and 9B can be improved higher.
Next, a fourth modification example of the sixth embodiment of the
present invention will be described. Elements the same as those of
the first through sixth embodiments and the modification examples
thereof are denoted by the same reference numerals and the
descriptions thereof are omitted, and only different points are
described.
As shown in FIG. 23, in the modification example, a sub-endoscope
150 which observes in a front diagonal direction is provided on the
outer circumferential surface of the distal end construction part
7. An image obtained by the sub-endoscope 150 is transmitted to the
monitor via a sub-endoscope cable (not shown). The monitor is
constructed so as to switch between the states such as where only
an image obtained by the observation main body 14 is displayed or
where images obtained not only by the observation main body but
also by the sub-endoscope 150 are displayed all together.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 151 of the
present modification example, since the treatment tools 9A and 9B
can be observed by using the observation main body 14 and the
sub-endoscope 150, field of view can be increased and visibility of
the treatment parts 9A and 9B can be improved.
Seventh Embodiment
Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be
described. Elements the same as those of the first through sixth
embodiments and the modification examples thereof are denoted by
the same reference numerals and the descriptions thereof are
omitted, and only different points are described.
As shown in FIG. 24, an endoscope device 161 of the present
embodiment is provided with an image processor 160 which extracts
an image showing the distal portions of the first and second arm
members 5A and 5B (i.e., the treatment parts 9A and 9B) and the
vicinity thereof from an image obtained by the observation main
body 14, and a not-shown monitor (display portion) which magnifies
and displays the image extracted by the image processor 160. In the
present embodiment, it is preferable that the treatment parts 9A
and 9B and the arm members 5A and 5B be painted a color having less
redness.
The image processor 160 has functions such as extracting a
specified color in an image captured by the endoscope unit 14,
binarizing the brilliances of the light based on a properly
determined threshold, and extracting the outline of a specified
color in the image to recognize the distal portions.
In the process of the image processor 160, firstly, the red light
is extracted in an image (shown in FIG. 25) captured by the
endoscope unit 14 to measure brilliances of the red light, and then
the brilliances are binarized based on a properly determined
threshold since the tissues inside the body cavity have a reddish
color. As a result, the shapes of the treatment tools 9A and 9B can
be extracted from the tissue image such that, for example, the
tissue is colored black and the treatment parts 9A and 9B are
colored white. Furthermore, shapes of the outline of the black
portion and white portion are extracted, and then positions where
the direction of the shape of the outline changes by more than a
predetermined value are detected as the position of the treatment
parts 9A and 9B. When the image processor 160 detect the position
of the treatment parts 9A and 9B, an image shown in FIG. 26 into
which the original image is magnified by two, for example, with the
middle position of the treatment parts 9A and 9B as a center, is
transmitted and displayed on the monitor.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 161 of the
modification example, since the treatment parts 9A and 9B can be
magnified and then displayed on the monitor, visibility of the
treatment parts 9A and 9B can be improved.
A mechanism for optically magnifying an image may be housed within
the observation main body 14.
Eighth Embodiment
Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be
described. Elements the same as those of the first through seventh
embodiments and the modification examples thereof are denoted by
the same reference numerals and the descriptions thereof are
omitted, and only different points are described.
As shown in FIG. 27, an endoscope device 180 of the present
embodiment is provided with a channel 172 formed in the distal end
construction part 7, and an observation mechanism 173 the distal
portion of which is bendable and which is inserted into the channel
172. The distal portion of the channel 172 is communicated both
with a first opening 170 formed on the distal end surface 7h of the
distal end construction part 7 and with a second opening 171 formed
on the side surface of the distal end construction part 7. The
observation mechanism 173 is capable of observation from the first
opening 170 and the second opening 171. The distal portion of the
observation mechanism 173 is bendable by an operating wire (not
shown) provided inside thereof.
In order to enhance the insertion ability of the observation
mechanism 173, it is preferable that the second opening 171 open
toward a front diagonal direction of the distal end construction
part 7.
When an affected area is treated with the endoscope device 174
constituted as above, the insertion part 3 is inserted into the
body cavity of the subject while observing the front of the
insertion part 3 with the observation mechanism 173 straight and
inserted into the first opening 170. When the first and second arm
members 5A and 5B reach the affected area and the treatment is
performed at the front of the distal end construction part 7, as
shown in FIG. 27, the treatment is performed in a state where the
observation mechanism 173 is inserted into the first opening 170
with the arm members 5A and 5B extending forward.
When the treatment is performed at the outside in the radial
direction of the distal end construction part 7, as shown in FIG.
28, the observation mechanism 173 is once pulled back to the
communicating portion of the first opening 170 and the second
opening 171 and then is pushed toward the distal side with the
distal portion of the observation mechanism 173 bent toward the
second opening 171. Then, the arm members 5A and 5B are bent toward
the second opening 171 and the treatment is performed by the arm
members 5A and 5B while observing by the observation mechanism 173
from the second opening 171 side.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 174 of the
present embodiment, since it is possible to observe by using the
observation mechanism 173 not only the front of the distal end
construction part 7 but also the outside in the radial direction of
the distal end construction part 7, the observable area of the
treatment parts 9A and 9B by using the one observation mechanism
173 can be expanded.
Known endoscopes may be employed as the observation mechanism
173.
Next, a modification example of the eighth embodiment of the
present invention will be described. Elements the same as those of
the first through eighth embodiments are denoted by the same
reference numerals and the descriptions thereof are omitted, and
only different points are described.
As shown in FIG. 29, in the present modification example, the
observation main body 14 is not provided in an endoscope device
180. Instead, a known endoscope N1 which is not provided with a
treatment part is used with the endoscope N1 attached to a
cylindrical guide member 181 provided at the distal end
construction part 7 of the endoscope device 180.
The endoscope device 180 may be inserted into the body cavity of
the subject such that the endoscope N1 is inserted into the body
cavity in advance, and then the endoscope device 180 is inserted by
moving the guide member 181 along an insertion part N2 of the
endoscope N1.
As shown in FIG. 30, the endoscope device 180 may be attached to an
endoscope N4 provided with a treatment part N3.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 180 of the
present embodiment, the treatment can be performed while observing
forward with a known endoscope instead of the observation main body
14.
Ninth Embodiment
Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be
described. Elements the same as those of the first through eighth
embodiments and the modification examples thereof are denoted by
the same reference numerals and the descriptions thereof are
omitted, and only different points are described.
As shown in FIG. 31, in the present embodiment, an endoscope device
193 is provided with the observation main body 14 disposed so as to
freely separate from the distal end construction part 7, an
attachment member 190 provided in the observation main body 14 for
attaching the observation main body 14 to the inner wall B of the
body cavity such as the abdominal wall in a freely attaching and
detaching manner, and a treatment tool 191 for attachment inserted
into the first arm member 5A. The treatment tool 191 for attachment
is capable of attaching the observation main body 14 to the inner
wall B of the body cavity by the attachment member 190 by engaging
with the observation main body 14 disposed in the distal end
construction part 7.
Though a clip which has a spring and grasps the inner wall B of the
body cavity is employed as the attachment member 190 in the present
embodiment, a hook, a magnet or the like may be employed as long as
it can attach the observation main body 14 to the inner wall B of
the body cavity.
A cable 192 connects the observation main body 14 and the insertion
part 3. The observation main body 14 is hosed within the first
groove 7a by reeling up the cable 192 by using a reeling mechanism
(not shown) provided in the proximal portion of the cable 192.
Next, a method for treating an affected area with the endoscope
device 193 constituted as above is described as follows.
The treatment method of the present embodiment is basically the
same as that of the first embodiment. However, in the present
embodiment, after the insertion part 3 is inserted into the body
cavity with the two arm members 5A and 5B opposed to the affected
area, the first bending part 11 of the first arm member 5A is bent
such that the treatment tool 191 for attachment is engaged with the
observation main body 14. Then, the observation main body 14 is
attached to the inner wall B of the body cavity by the attachment
member 190 while extending the cable 192.
As described above, according to the endoscope device 193 of the
present modification example, the treatment parts 9A and 9B can be
observed from the skew direction, not from the proximal side of the
first and second arm members 5A and 5B. As a result, since it can
be prevented that the field of view via the observation main body
14 is interrupted by the proximal portions of the first and second
arm members 5A and 5B when performing the treatment, visibility of
the treatment parts 9A and 9B can be improved.
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described
and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are
exemplary examples of the invention and are not to be considered as
limiting. Additions, omissions, substitutions, and other
modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the present invention.
Though the first and second arm members 5A and 5B are provided in
the distal end surface 7h of the distal end construction part 7 in
the first through ninth embodiments and the modification examples
thereof for example, the first and second arm members 5A and 5B may
be provided in the side surface of the distal end construction part
7.
Though the two first and second arm members 5A and 5B are provided
in the distal end surface 7h of the distal end construction part 7
in the first through forth embodiments, the sixth through ninth
embodiments, and the modification examples thereof, for example,
three or more arm members may be provided.
The invention is not to be considered as being limited by the
foregoing description, and is only limited by the scope of the
appended claims.
* * * * *